Letter – James Graham to George Eden – 8 Dec 1832

Sir James Graham to Lord Auckland 8 Decr 1832  Mr Grey



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Knowsley 8 Decr 1832

My dear Lord

	I am very sorry that Mr Grey should have taken the trouble of coming to London for the purpose of having an interview with me. I had endeavoured to make the original offer to him in very explicit terms; and they did not admit of variation, since Mr Brandling is treated unjustly, if Mr Grey be favored by the conditions of his appointment differing materially from those, which Mr Brandling had rejected. I gave an explanation in consequence of some enquiries made by Mr Grey thro’ Lord Howick; and I must now repeat that residence either at Hexham or at Haydon Bridge is indispensable and that £1000 a year, to cover House Rent, is the Maximum of Salary, to which I can consent. The Receiver must of course hold his place during pleasure and any assurances to the contrary would be wrong in principle and perfectly nugatory but if Mr Grey do the duty well, he need not fear the chance of removal, against which public opinion will be his best security; as to minor details concerning the form of the Monthly report and matters of this description no difficulty will arise provided Mr Grey be prepared to devote his whole time to the management of the Hospital Estates, and to reside in the centre of them, not quitting them without leave of absence and not considering himself at liberty to undertake other business. If he accept the salary and agree to these main conditions, we shall not differ about the rest; if he hesitate with respect to these he cannot have the appt.

	I shall be very much occupied next week in visiting different parts of Cumberland previously to my Election: but Mr Grey will find me at Carlisle on Saturday next the 15th & I should be happy to converse with him there, but I cannot alter or depart from the fixed conditions now so fully stated.

      In haste My dear Lord

      Very truly Yrs

      JRG Graham



Lord Auckland